GoPro Hero3 revealed - smaller, higher res action camera with Wi-Fi

GoPro has released the latest version of its popular action camera, the Hero3. It’s smaller and lighter than previous models, while boasting a dramatic boost to resolution and some handy new features.

The GoPro Hero3 was unveiled at a special launch event held in San Francisco. Arguably its major feature is that it’s 30 per cent lighter than the previous model and 25 per cent lighter. For a device that’s designed to be attached to helmets and handlebars during extreme sports, that’s a major feature.

Despite being much smaller than previous versions, the Hero3 doesn’t tread water on the capability front. It’s twice as fast as previous models, for example, while low light performance has also doubled.

The top of the line Black Edition is capable of shooting at a whopping 4K resolution - that’s four times the full HD resolution of the previous Hero.

There will be some compromise if you do opt to shoot at 4K though - the frame rate drops to 15fps on such occasions.

Still, thanks to that meatier processor, frame rates at lower resolutions have doubled. This means that you’ll be able to shoot slick slow motion footage in full 1080p HD.

The Black Edition is the top model, of course, and will set you back $399. Further down the line there’s the Silver edition at $299, which can still manage 11-megapixel still images and 1080p30 video, and the White Edition at $199 with its 5-megapixel stills.

All three GoPro Hero3 models will come with Wi-Fi, while the Black Edition comes with a Wi-Fi remote, enabling you to control up to 50 GoPro units at a range of 600 feet.